Méiyǒu gōngláo, háiyǒu kǔ láo; (méiyǒu kǔ láo, yě yǒu píláo).

沒有功勞還有苦勞, (沒有苦勞也有疲勞)。

Lit [Although one] did not accomplish anything great, at least [one tried and] made [some] effort; ([and even if one] did not make [great] efforts, at least [one should get credit for trying at all and] tiring [oneself out trying]).

Note [Rhyme; cf. Yuè Fēi Zhuàn, chap. 26; the second part is a contemporary addition, usually used to defend oneself when one is criticized.]

Topics ACCOMPLISHMENT CREDIT CRITICISM EFFORT Yuè_Fēi_Zhuàn